Pulmonary Emboli Masquerading as Asthma

Abstract

BRONCHOCONSTRICTION is a nearly constant sequela to acute pulmonary embolism,1 and wheezing was recently reported as occurring in some patients suspected of having this disease.2 , 3 To our knowledge, however, there are no clinical reports establishing angiographically the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in patients presenting apparent bronchial asthma. During the last four months we have proved this diagnosis in three patients initially treated for bronchial asthma.Case ReportsCase 1. A 46-year-old nurse reported to the Employees' Clinic at the San Juan Municipal Hospital on August 25, 1967, with a recurrent episode of "asthma." She was found to have generalized wheezing . . .